Mokena Jr. High Cast Ready To Shine In 'Annie Jr.' Musical

NEW LENOX, IL — Mokena Jr. High is bringing everyone's favorite story of a spunky, red-headed orphan to life on stage in New Lenox this weekend.

The cast is putting on the musical "Annie Jr.", with performances set for Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 28 at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way Central High School Charles Stark Center for Performing Arts. The Mokena Junior High School cast and crew includes approximately 90 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students led by Director Andy Breitbarth.

Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with a book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie JR. features Annie's very first adventures.

"Annie" is a spunky, bright child who lives in the orphanage run by the greedy and neglectful Miss Hannigan. After an escape attempt, Annie is chosen by Grace Farrell, personal secretary to millionaire Mr. Warbucks, to spend Christmas with him in his mansion. Although they develop a special bond, Annie still dreams of finding her parents, and Mr. Warbucks is determined to help her. An awful scheme is developed by Rooster, Lily St. Regis, and Miss Hannigan to claim the reward money by posing as Annie's parents, but luckily is foiled in the end. The rest of the orphans are saved from the orphanage, and Mr. Warbucks officially adopts Annie.

"Audience members can expect a fun night out!" Breitbarth said. "The classic story and songs of Annie create a great excuse for families to plan a night out, support the community, and enjoy live theater."

Students were cast in their roles in October, and have been preparing since early-November. Breitbarth said he is excited for the audience to see the finished product.

"Putting on a musical production is a lot of hard work!" Breitbarth said. "What makes me most proud is seeing how much this group of students and parents care about the program and that they're willing to put in the work to make this experience great for everyone involved. The way the students support each other is also something that I'm very proud of as a teacher and director."

"These kids come in with such a varied level of experience—some of them seasoned performers with many shows under their belt and some of them this is their first show ever," Breitbarth said. "But no matter what their experience level is, they treat each other with respect and collaborate together to put on a show!"

Tickets are reserved seating—$10 for adults and $5 for children—and can be purchased online in advance or at the door.